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Tower Controller Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

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Tower Controller information

See Oregon salary details

$58.2K

$126.3K

$185.6K

How much do tower controller jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for tower controller in Oregon is $126,342.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,600.00 and $146,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tower controller?

Tower controllers are air traffic control professionals who manage the safe and efficient movement of aircraft on runways and taxiways at airports. They direct arriving and departing flights, communicate with pilots, and coordinate with other air traffic control facilities to ensure smooth operations. Tower controllers use radar, radios, and visual observation to maintain safe distances between aircraft and respond quickly to any emergencies or changes in weather conditions. Their role is crucial in preventing collisions and minimizing delays at busy airports.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tower controller, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tower Controller, you need strong situational awareness, quick decision-making abilities, and an air traffic control certification from an accredited program. Proficiency in radar and communications systems, as well as familiarity with FAA procedures, is typically required. Exceptional communication, stress management, and teamwork skills help ensure clarity and efficiency during high-pressure situations. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining safety, minimizing delays, and ensuring the smooth flow of air traffic.

How does a tower controller typically collaborate with other air traffic control units during their shift?

Tower Controllers work closely with approach and departure control units to coordinate the safe and efficient movement of aircraft within the airport's airspace. They maintain constant communication with ground controllers, ramp personnel, and airline operations to manage arrivals, departures, and taxiing. Effective teamwork and clear communication are essential, especially during peak traffic periods or when weather conditions require rapid decision-making. This collaboration helps ensure that aircraft transition smoothly between different phases of flight and that safety protocols are strictly followed.

What is the difference between Tower Controller vs Approach Controller?

AspectTower ControllerApproach Controller
Primary RoleManages aircraft on the ground and during takeoff/landing within the airport's control towerManages arriving and departing aircraft in the terminal airspace, guiding them safely to and from the airport
Work EnvironmentControl tower at the airportEn route or terminal radar facilities
CertificationsFAA Tower Certification, Radar Certification (if applicable)FAA Approach Certification, Radar Certification
Industry UsageAirports with control towersAirports with approach control facilities

Both Tower Controllers and Approach Controllers are essential air traffic professionals working within the same industry. Tower Controllers focus on ground operations and aircraft during takeoff and landing within the airport's control tower, while Approach Controllers manage aircraft in the terminal airspace approaching or departing the airport. They often work together to ensure safe and efficient aircraft movement.

Infographic showing various Tower Controller job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,342 per year, or $60.7 per hour.

Air Traffic Manager - Bend, OR (BDN) New Tower Commissioning

Serco USA

Redmond, OR โ€ข On-site

$42.80/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Position Description & Qualifications
Position Description & Qualifications
Are you an Air Traffic Controller seeking a management position and the opportunity to be part of something new? Serco has an exciting leadership opportunity in Bend, OR, supporting the launch and operation of a new Federal Contract Tower (FCT).
This position offers a unique chance to help establish, lead, and shape operations at a newly commissioned tower facility, working closely with FAA stakeholders, airport management, and Serco leadership during the startup and initial operational phases.
Serco is one of the largest non-government Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSP) in the world. We deliver air traffic control (ATC) services for small and medium regional airports as well as the largest commercial air hub on the globe. Serco is also the only commercial ANSP to provide all the three ATC disciplines: Terminal Tower, Terminal Approach Control, and Enroute Center. No wonder we are one of the largest non-government employers of Air Traffic Controllers in the world!
Air Traffic Managers must be familiar with standard Air Traffic Control (ATC) concepts, practices, and procedures. Managers rely on experience, judgment, and leadership to plan, organize, and accomplish operational goals. A high degree of initiative, flexibility, and sound decision-making is expected.
At Bend, this role includes the added responsibility of helping bring a new tower facility online, supporting staffing, training, procedural compliance, and the establishment of a strong safety and performance culture from day one.
What we offer:
  • The rate of pay for this position is $42.80 per hour.

As an Air Traffic Manager, you can expect to:
  • Report to the Area Manager
  • Supervise air traffic control tower personnel
  • Support facility readiness and transition activities for a new FCT
  • Manage controller training requirements and certification progress
  • Manage quality and safety programs
  • Complete and submit recurring reports
  • Complete/support compliance verification audits
  • Review facility directives and procedures for compliance and adherence
  • Collaborate with the public, airport personnel and FAA management
  • Foster a strong safety culture and professional team environment

Air Traffic Managers must also function as Air Traffic Control Specialists (ATCS) by controlling air traffic on and within the vicinity of the airport according to established procedures and policies to prevent collisions and minimize delays arising from traffic congestion. ATCS's are responsible for the safe, orderly and expeditious movement of air traffic through the nation's airspace.
As a member of the Air Traffic Control team, you can expect to:
  • Answer radio calls from arriving/departing aircraft
  • Issue landing/takeoff instructions
  • Issue information such as runway usage, wind velocity/direction, visibility, taxiing instructions, and pertinent data on other aircraft operating in vicinity
  • Issue air traffic clearances
  • Perform critical weather observations as a Limited Aviation Weather Reporting Station (LAWRS) observer, and to disseminate timely weather information to pilots, other air traffic control facilities and other users of the National Airspace System.
  • Transfer and receive control of aircraft
  • Operate equipment such as: radios, telephones, interphones, computer systems, radar, recording systems, weather equipment, light guns, airport/runway lighting systems, backup equipment, etc.
  • Alert Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighters and other first responders to aircraft experiencing emergency situations
  • Coordinate with and issue instructions to airport vehicles/personnel
  • Maintain and disseminate records of daily operations
  • Perform on-the-job training instructor duties as required

Requirements to join the team:
  • US Citizenship
  • An FAA Second Class Medical Certificate
  • Minimum 5 years' experience as an air traffic controller with a minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience preferred.
  • A Control Tower Operator (CTO) rating or a Credential with a Tower Rating and 6 months of practical experience in accordance with 14 CFR Part 65.39
    • Note: For Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS) who have held a Credential with a Tower Rating, the FAA recognizes they have met the knowledge requirements listed in 14 CFR ยง65.35 and the experience requirements listed in 14 CFR ยง65.39
  • Eligibility to work for Serco under Federal Immigration Laws
  • Verification of education and employment references from previous employers including the release of drug and alcohol records
  • Passing a pre-employment drug screen
  • Receiving an FAA Security clearance (interim and final suitability)
  • Proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States
  • Excellent organizational skills

At Serco, professional development is a top priority. We are committed to supporting our leaders and controllers as they grow and succeed. If you are an experienced Air Traffic Controller with a prior tower certification or credential and are ready to make an impact and be part of something new, we invite you to apply today.
Company Overview
Serco Inc. (Serco) is the Americas division of Serco Group, plc. In North America, Serco's 9,000+ employees strive to make an impact every day across 100+ sites in the areas of Defense, Citizen Services, and Transportation. We help our clients deliver vital services more efficiently while increasing the satisfaction of their end customers. Serco serves every branch of the U.S. military, numerous U.S. Federal civilian agencies, the Intelligence Community, the Canadian government, state, provincial and local governments, and commercial clients. While your place may look a little different depending on your role, we know you will find yours here. Wherever you work and whatever you do, we invite you to discover your place in our world. Serco is a place you can count on and where you can make an impact because every contribution matters.
To review Serco benefits please visit: https://careers.serco-na.com/us/en/what-we-offer. If you require an accommodation with the application process please email: careers@serco-na.com or call the HR Service Desk at 800-628-6458, option 1. Please note, due to EEOC/OFCCP compliance, Serco is unable to accept resumes by email.
Candidates may be asked to present proof of identity during the selection process. If requested, this will require presentation of a government-issued I.D. (with photo) with name and address that match the information entered on the application. Serco will not take possession of or retain/store the information provided as proof of identity. For more information on how Serco uses your information, please see our Applicant Privacy Policy and Notice.
Serco does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies without being a contracted approved vendor. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Serco and will not be obligated to pay a placement or contract fee. If you are interested in becoming an approved vendor at Serco, please email Agencies@serco-na.com.
Serco is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.
Pay Transparency
Our Total Rewards package includes competitive pay, performance-based incentives, and benefits that promote well-being and work-life balance-so you can thrive both professionally and personally. Eligible employees also gain access to a wide range of benefits from comprehensive health coverage and health savings accounts to retirement plans, life and disability insurance, and time-off programs that support work-life balance. Program availability may vary based on factors such as contract type, location, hire date, and applicable collective bargaining agreements.
Salary range: The hourly amount for this position can be found at the top of this posting. This role is covered by the Service Contract Act.For positions on this contract, we will pay the prevailing wage rate for the location in which the employee is working, as determined by the Department of Labor and the Wage Determination (WD). The wage rate will vary depending on the locality. Additionally, you will receive Health and Welfare Benefits based on the WD for the contract.Benefits - Comprehensible benefits for full-time employees (part-time members receive a limited package tailored to their role):
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Robust vacation and sick leave benefits, and flexible work arrangements where permitted by role or contract
  • 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds
  • Tuition reimbursement program
  • Life insurance and disability coverage
  • Optional coverages that can be purchased, including pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection
  • Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
  • Employee Assistance Plan that includes counseling conditions
  • Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific contract as well as whether the position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement or Service Contract Labor Standards.

To review all Serco benefits please visit: https://careers.serco-na.com/us/en/about-us.
Serco complies with all applicable state and local leave laws, including providing time off under the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act for eligible Colorado residents, in alignment with our policies and benefit plans. The application window for this position is for no more than 60 days. We encourage candidates to apply promptly after the posting date, as the position may close earlier if filled or if the application volume exceeds expectations. Please submit applications exclusively through Serco's external (or internal) career site. If an applicant has any concerns with job posting compliance, please send an email to: careers@serco-na.com.